Q. I've seen it in a couple of lotions that I'm using. Is there anything "bad" about hydantoin? -Bethany

A. The EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database rates it a "0" risk igredient, however, hydantoin has been found in numerous studies to cause birth defects.

This study found that hydantoin interferes with Folic acid, a key nutrient for the proper fetal development in humans (and most mammals.) (Source) It has been found to create abnormalities in the urinary tract in human fetuses. In mice studies it disrupted the development of the muscosceletal system, ear development, and other abnormalities. (Source) (Source)

The doses that affect development are relatively high (like taking a pill of it every day) and there are no studies on absorption of this chemical through skin, and if dermal application poses a risk. Hydantoin can be a skin irritant in higher concentrations. All-in-all, I would avoid this ingredient, especially if pregnant.

The new body shop deodorant "DeoDry" claims to use "volcanic minerals" to absorb & evaporate sweat, keeping you dry. Despite it being aluminum & paraben free, it contains a host of harmful chemicals. For this reasom I would never use it, I'm just wondering if this whole volcanic minerals thing is for real? How would it stop you from sweating? Is it safe?

Thanks! Ama L.

A:

Thanks for your question, Ama! It looks like the "volcanic minerals" they're talking about is perlite. It's kind of an iron-based clay that doesn't really pose a risk as-used. (Perhaps if you inhaled the dust, but that's not an issue with this product.) It will work to an extent to absorb moisture, but it's not going to keep you from sweating. (This product is considered a deodorant, not an anti-perspirant.) Just for kicks, let's take a look at what else is in this deodorant:

Propylene Glycol is the first ingredient here. Propylene glycol is an irritant, penetration enhancer, and suspected neutrotoxin. (Read more here.)

Ceteth-20 and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oilare both ethoxylated chemicals. This means they've been created using the carcinogen ethylene oxide, traces of which can remain in the product, along with its carcinogenic by-product 1,4-dioxane.

"Fragrance" is a blanket term for anything on a list of over 2000 different chemicals, including neurotoxins, endocrine-disrupting phthalates, allergens and more. (Read more Here.)

So, despite it not containing aluminum, it looks like this product has quite a few problematic ingredients not just at the end of the list, but that comprise the bulk of the formula!

Polysorbate 6 and PEG-60 are both ethoxylated chemicals. This means they've been created using the carcinogen ethylene oxide, traces of which can remain in the product, along with its carcinogenic by-product 1,4-dioxane.

Behentrimonium methosulfate is a quaternary ammonium compound. These "quats" are known to be endocrine disruptors, skin irritants, and toxic to aquatic life. (You can read more here.)

Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone are known neurotoxins, developmental toxins and contact allergens. One study states: "Prolonged exposure to low levels of MIT and related compounds may have damaging consequences to the developing nervous system." (Read more here.)

"Fragrance" is a blanket term for anything on a list of over 2000 different chemicals, including neurotoxins, endocrine-disrupting phthalates, allergens and more. (Read more here.)

Amodimethicone is a silicone-based conditioning agent similar to dimethicone. There is not much available information about amodimethicone, however dimethicone is a suspected reproductive toxin, skin irritant, tumor inducer (in animal studies), and bioaccumulative. (Read more here.)

So, the bottom line here is that yes, it does have some natural extracts and ingredients, but it's far from all natural and contains some potentially harmful ingredients.

Q. What do you think of sodium carboxymethylcellulose? The MSDS says it can be a skin and eye irritant. Is this a no go in a shampoo?

-Charlotte via Facebook

A. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose is the sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose, aka, cellulose gum. It is a synthetic deriviative of cellulose (wood pulp.) It's used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics and foods. It does not appear to be a carcinogen, xenoestrogen, neurotoxin, or developmental toxin based on current available, albeit limited, safety data. It can trigger allergies in certain prone individuals, and at full strength will irritate skin or eyes. If the powder is inhaled in large quantities it can cause lung irritation, as any powder would.

Due to the manufacturing process of this ingredient, trace to moderate amounts amounts of sodium glycolate can be present in the finished ingredient. (Source) Sodium glycolate, when used in a leave on product like a makeup, can cause skin cell damage when exposed to UV light. (Source) However, used in a rinse-off product, diluted highly, as would be in a shampoo, as long as you didn't have a personal allergy to it, I would consider this to be a minimal risk ingredient.